Tami Parrington~~
Random thoughts on writing and life in general. For a peek at my author's blog, please visit http://www.tamiparrington.com where you'll find highlights of the past, present, and future works of author Tami Parrington.

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Good and Bad of Miracle Gro

If you want your lawn, garden and flowers to look their best, you're going to have to feed them. One option is Miracle Gro plant fertilizer. It is a synthetic, chemical based product available at most major department stores, garden centers and hardware stores. In order to decide if this product is right for your property you need to know the good and bad points of its use.

The Good

Miracle Gro is easy to apply. It comes in several application types to make it easier to use for any specific purpose. There are spikes for concentrated spot treatments, loose granules that lay on top of the soil and slowly leech in with watering, and liquid that soaks into the soil immediately and is easily broadcast over large areas. Scott's Miracle Gro has formulations for a variety of different plant types as well. There are vegetable, flower, citrus tree, orchid and tomato variations, as well as special needs formulas to combat blossom end rot, root development and for lawn care.

The Bad

Inhalation of Miracle Gro may cause respiratory difficulties that includes coughing and a runny nose. Skin contact may irritate the site so wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and gloves for protection. Always wear protective eye goggles when spreading liquid or granule formulas. Wind or accidental splashing that comes in contact with the eyes can cause injury ranging from mild irritation to permanent corneal damage. If you accidentally get Miracle Gro in your eyes, rinse immediately and seek the advice of your physician. Never induce vomiting in anyone who accidentally ingests Miracle Gro. Drinking a small glass of milk to coat the digestive passages helps alleviate the caustic damage until you can get help. When Miracle Gro comes in contact with clothing, remove at once and rinse underlying skin. In all cases contact poison control, or your family physician.

The Dangerous

The opponents to commercial fertilizers consider Miracle Gro a dangerous product because of the environmental impact it leaves behind. The salt-based, petroleum chemicals leech through the soil and run off into streams, rivers, and underground water supply. They damage earth worm populations, pollute the waters, and potentially harm wildlife. The fast-acting, high-nitrogen based chemicals have negative, dangerous effects on your garden too. Accidentally applying too much of the product will burn leaves, destroy root systems, and kill plants.

About Me

A long time artist and writer, I grew up in suburban Chicagoland, then moved to a rural town in Illinois where I worked, raised a family and bred all types of animals from rabbits and chickens to sheep, goats and horses on a small farm. I have been living with and loving my real-life knight in shining armor of 32 years. Recently relocated back to the suburbs of Chicago, and dreaming of moving to sunny Florida.
Yes, I sometimes add links to Amazon products I love and USE. I only review or add affiliate links to things I actually own and/or have used.